(Telecompaper) ZTE announced a halt in trading in its shares pending an announcement on the US Commerce Department's proposal to implement export restrictions on the company. According to documents seen by Reuters, the US restrictions are due to alleged violations of export controls on Iran by ZTE. The restrictions will make it difficult for the company to acquire US. products by requiring ZTE's suppliers to apply for an export license before shipping any American-made equipment or parts to ZTE. According to a Commerce Department notice that will be published next week in the US Federal Register, the licence applications generally will be denied. The restrictions will take effect 08 March, Reuters has learned, and will apply to any company worldwide that wants to ship American-made products to ZTE in China.